Louis Naranjo Cochiti Pueblo Buffalo Dancer Pottery Figurine

This piece is a classic, expressive example of figurative Cochiti Pueblo pottery by former potter Louis Naranjo (1932-1997). Naranjo was famous for his storyteller figures, bears, and ceremonial dancers. His Buffalo Dancers are particularly prized for their solid, rounded forms, expressive open mouths ("singing" position), and traditional headdress styling. The figure was created using traditional Cochiti Pueblo techniques of hand-gathered clay, hand-coiled construction, and natural pigments (black wild spinach/beeweed and natural clay slips).

The black painted hood with attached horns represents the bison hide headdress worn by Buffalo Dancers during winter ceremonies. The painted fan medallion at the back of the head evokes traditional feather rosettes or sun symbols.

The dance kilt features traditional Cochiti black, white, and red-orange slip designs, complete with rain/cloud motifs, geometric borders, and ceremonial sash details. The painted moccasins and leg bands faithfully mirror actual dancer attire. The feather-adorned wooden lightning staff held in his left hand and raised right arm highlight the active, ceremonial pose typical of Naranjo's work.

Display Stand: The custom-fitted, handmade clear acrylic/plexiglass base with a black metal support bracket provides crucial stability for free-standing display while protecting the base of the pottery from wear.

Condition: this Louis Naranjo Cochiti Pueblo Buffalo Dancer Pottery Figurine is in very good condition

Provenance: originally from the Chuck and Jan Rosenak Collection. Now from the collection of the client from California to whom we sold this in 2003.

Recommended Reading: Clay Mirror - From Monos to Storytellers: Reflections from Cochiti Potters. The Tom and Charlotte Mittler Collection

TAGS: Cochiti Pueblo, pottery, Frances Suina, Virginia Naranjo, figurative pottery, Louis and Virginia Naranjo, Louis Naranjo